One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

ALLEN PARK — Even though Ndamukong Suh is appealing his two-game suspension, he’s expected to at least miss Sunday’s game at New Orleans.

Don’t automatically assume that rookie Nick Fairley, the first-round pick, will start in his place. Fairley’s development was slowed down early in training camp and lasted through the start of the season. He’s getting playing time, but hasn’t made a huge impact yet.

When asked about Fairley, coach Jim Schwartz was careful not to proclaim him the starter in place of Suh. In fact, Schwartz mentioned Sammie Hill, a fourth-round pick in 2009, in the same breath as Fairley.

Hill has more experience. Even though he was not ready he started in his rookie season because of lack of depth on the line

There’s a lot of Fairley fans out there — including a couple that named their dog Fairley (via Twitter) — and he will see playing time.

My hunch is that Hill will start.

Andre Fluellen will also move back inside after helping out at defensive end with a rash of injuries at that position.

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Three starters miss practice due to injury; Suh unable to practice during appeal

ALLEN PARK — Cornerback Chris Houston and safety Louis Delmas, who both have knee injuries, missed the second straight day of practice today (Wednesday). Both were injured in the loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving. Also missing was defensive end Lawrence Jackson who did not play Thursday due to a thigh injury.

Running back Kevin Smith, who injured his ankle in that game, was on the practice field briefly today (Wednesday) but just for stretches. Maurice Morris lined up with the starters.

Even though Ndamukong Suh is appealing his two-game suspension, he is not allowed to practice. The Lions were given a roster exemption while Suh is out and signed DE Keyunta Dawson to fill in. He was at practice.

Several Lions missing from Tuesday practice

ALLEN PARK — In a rare Tuesday practice, several of those injured in Thursday’s loss to Green Bay were still out.

That included RB Kevin Smith (ankle), S Louis Delmas (knee), CB Chris Houston (knee) and CB Brandon McDonald (lower leg). Smith was on the sidelines with his right ankle wrapped, no crutches in sight.

Also missing was Lawrence Jackson (thigh) who did not play on Thursday.

Ndamukong Suh, who has been suspended for two games, cannot practice or be at the facility until he’s reinstated on Dec. 12. The Lions get a roster exemption while he’s out but haven’t filled it yet.

Back at it after being released on Sept. 3 was RB Aaron Brown who re-signed over the weekend.

Due to the shortage at safety, Ricardo Silva was signed from the practice squad. He had a good preseason, but didn’t make the 53-man roster. To take his place on the practice squad DB Brandon Stephens was signed.

The Lions practiced on Tuesday after their long weekend due to the Thanksgiving game. They play at New Orleans on Sunday in a game that was moved to 8:30 p.m. and will air on NBC’s Sunday night football. The Saints are 5-0 at the Superdome and have outscored opponents there 208-93.

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After further reflection, Suh admits he made a mistake

Apparently Ndamukong Suh has seen the light, thanks to the Lions coaches and staff.

Following Thursday’s incident of grinding and stomping on Green Bay’s Evan Dietrich-Smith, the Lions defensive tackle was adamant that he was just trying to get out of a “situation.”

Actually he was digging himself deeper into another situation. General consensus in the media room after he made his post-game statement was that it just wasn’t believable. We’d seen the replay. Give us some credit.

Suh seems to be catching up with reality, at least if the following statement is sincere. He issued it on Facebook on Friday night.

“In the past few hours, I have had time to reflect on yesterday’s game and I want to sincerely apologize for letting my teammates down, the organization, and especially to my fans who look to me for positive inspiration.

“Playing professional sports is not a game. It is a profession with great responsibility, and where performance on and off the field should never be compromised. It requires a calm and determined demeanor, which cannot be derailed by the game, referee calls, fans or other players.

“I want to reiterate my commitment to working to become a better player, and professional — on and off the field. My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable. I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand — by winning.’’

It’s expected that Suh won’t hear from the NFL whether he’s fined, suspended or both until Tuesday. He’s a repeat offender so he could be hit hard. It didn’t help that he showed no contrition initially.

While the league will have its say that doesn’t mean the Lions will just sit by and do nothing. If Suh isn’t suspended he could be benched. Or he could be benched when he returns from suspension. It would send a statement loud and clear.

Here’s the team statement:

“The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday’s game was unacceptable and failed to meet the high level of sportsmanship we expect from our players.

“Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. We expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism.

“We have been in contact with Commissioner Goodell’s office and were advised that, like any on-field matter, Thursday’s incident is subject to review by the League office and that any subsequent discipline would be determined by the League office.”

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Jahvid Best placed on injured reserve

After missing the last five games, Lions running back Jahvid Best has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Best sustained his concussion in the loss to the 49ers on Oct. 16. It was his second this season. His first concussion occurred during training camp.

While in his senior year of college at Cal, Best also sustained a concussion.

The Lions have struggled with the running game since he’s been out of action.

They re-signed Kevin Smith who had a solid effort in the win against the Panthers on Sunday. But early in the Thanksgiving game Smith injured his ankle and didn’t return. Afterward he said X-rays were negative. Reports are that he has a high ankle sprain. Recovery can vary with that specific injury.

The Lions next game is on Dec. 4 at New Orleans at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday night football.

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What's next for Suh? Likely first move is a suspension

Not sure when or if Ndamukong Suh will be suspended, but expect that he will be. He’s a repeat offender so Roger Goodell will have good reason to make him sit for a game or two, maybe more. He did sit most of the second half on Thursday after his ejection so maybe that will go toward time served.

Don’t know if it will make a difference in Goodell’s decision, but Suh didn’t apologize to the Packers after the game. Through the media he said he wanted to apologize only to his teammates, his “true fans” and his coaches. But several of the Lions said that after the game he had not apologized directly to them. Any game he misses, will hurt the Lions’ chances of winning. The next game is at New Orleans on Dec. 4 in a game that has been moved to 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

Other than the suspension what will happen to Suh in the aftermath of the ugly incident with Green Bay’s Evan Dietrich-Smith?

My guess is that some of his teammates, including Corey Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch, will have a long talk with him. Football is a team game and Suh is hurting his team with his actions. Williams and Vanden Bosch are examples that you can play hard-nosed football within the rules, or mostly within them. They’re veterans and perhaps they can make him listen.

Coach Jim Schwartz and Gunther Cunningham will also likely have more chats with Suh. They can’t afford him to go unchecked and so undisciplined. Despite a number of fines and penalties, Suh has been adamant that he’s not changing the way he plays.

Here’s one thing I found really odd on Thursday. When the media got down to the Lions press conference room near the locker room after the game, Suh was standing in the hall, dressed and talking to his sister. It seems like he should have been in the locker room talking to his teammates and coaches. Perhaps apologizing, maybe asking for their opinions. Corey Williams said he hadn’t spoken to Suh after the game. When asked, Matthew Stafford said he had not heard an apology.

The timing just seemed odd. It’s a team game and players should stick together.

Suh, who is fully aware of his image, could see that damaged too. Kevin Seifert who covers the NFC North for ESPN.com had a good point today wondering if Suh will lose some of his endorsement deals including Chrysler and Subway. He’s made a name for himself in two seasons, but not necessarily one that’s positive for advertisers.

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5 things Lions must do to beat Packers

Five things the Lions (7-3) must do to beat the undefeated Green Bay Packers (10-0) on Thanksgiving at Ford Field:

1. Start fast on offense and defense. Didn’t work so well against the Panthers on Sunday perhaps there was a lesson to be learned there. Don’t want to fall into a deep hole against the Packers early. Could be dangerous.

2. Don’t just rattle Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, knock him down. One of the reasons Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL right now is that he can scramble and make things happen when pressured. So while rattling his cage is fine, sacks are the only sure way to stop him. The defensive line needs its best game of the season and then some.

3. Run the ball effectively. Last week after Matthew Stafford settled down and started throwing with accuracy, the Lions’ passing game opened up the running game and Kevin Smith took advantage. Expect to see Smith start. He’s got fresh legs and you know Scott Linehan was drawing up this week’s offensive game plan with him in mind.

4. It’s amazing how much more effective Stafford is when he gets time and stays basically untouched. You know Clay Matthews is hungry to get his mitts on Stafford. The offensive line must play like it did against Carolina or actually better since the Packers defense is much better than the Panthers.

5. Don’t get caught up in the huge implications of the game. Enjoy the day, enjoy the tradition and make fans glad they delayed their Thanksgiving feast to watch it all unfold. Don’t look too far ahead, just play with attitude.

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Lions Matthew Stafford, Kevin Smith nominated for NFL weekly honors

For the third time this season Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been nominated for the NFL’s Air player of the week. In the 49-35 comeback win over the Panthers on Sunday he connected on 77.8 percent of his passes for 335 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Also nominated are Miami’s Matt Moore and Dallas’ Tony Romo.

In just his second game of the season, Lions running back Kevin Smith was nominated for Ground player of the week. He tallied 140 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries in the Lions’ 49-35 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

His yardage total and 8.8 yards per carry were the highest of any back on the weekend.

Also nominated are Cleveland’s Chris Ogbonnaya and Baltimore’s Ray Rice.

To vote go to NFL.com/FedEx.

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Best misses practice again, unlikely for Thursday

ALLEN PARK — Don’t expect to see Lions running back Jahvid Best in Thursday’s big tilt against the undefeated Packers.

Best did not practice today (Tuesday). He has missed the last four games with a concussion.

Coach Jim Schwartz is unlikely to announce who will start at running back, but expect to see Kevin Smith get the nod. In his second game back with the Lions on Sunday he carried 16 times for 140 yards and four catches for 61 yards. Maurice Morris, who had seven carries for 29 yards on Sunday, has been the starter with Best out.

Roger Brown, a 1962 Lions defensive tackle, loves Suh; would want 22 Suhs on his team

Think the Lions and Ndamukong Suh are dirty? It’s all good with Roger Brown who played defensive tackle for the Lions in 1962 when they beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.

“I’m going to tell you I’m proud of him and I’m proud that he plays that tackle spot. I could never get anybody to call me dirty when I played even if I threw dirt in someone’s face,’’ Brown said in a conference call.

“A football player, especially on that defensive line, you’re not playing tiddlywinks, this is football. As long as he doesn’t try to break somebody’s arm or pile on after the whistle blows, that’s dirty.

“Suh is doing a heck of a job. I would like to have 22 of them on my team, call them all dirty. I’ll tell you what we’d go right to the Super Bowl,’’ Brown said.

See more on the 1962 Lions and their big win over the Packers in a story online Wednesday and in the print edition of Thursday’s Oakland Press.

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Five things we learned from Lions' brutal loss at Chicago

Five things we learned about the Lions in their 37-13 loss to the Bears on Sunday:

1. Consistency is still very much an issue with the team in all three phases, but especially on special teams. They have been up and down on coverage and they blew it big-time in the first half on Sunday when Devin Hester was on the field. He returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown and got a combined 40 yards on two other punt returns. It could have gotten worse but he was ill and didn’t play in the second half.

2. Matthew Stafford had his worst game since perhaps his rookie season in the loss at Seattle when he threw five picks. He was playing with a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, the wind was whipping which made passing an adventure and he didn’t get enough protection from the line. He was forced to make 63 passing attempts because of the large deficit from the get-go. It doesn’t seem like it but he did throw for 329 yards. That was overshadowed by the four interceptions. It all added up to ugly.

3. They added to their reputation as a dirty team when Ndamukong Suh ripped off Jay Cutler’s helmet in the second quarter. Suh wasn’t penalized, but he could be fined by the league. The whole big scuffle early in the fourth quarter was started because of Stafford trying to get away from the blocks by D.J. Moore by grabbing the back of his helmet and tackling him. Moore was ejected, Stafford wasn’t. Moore shouldn’t complain too loudly because admitting you were tackled by a quarterback might take points off the man card.

4. They miss the explosiveness of Jahvid Best who has been out three games with a concussion. Maurice Morris has been starting and he’s fine, but he doesn’t have the extra gear that Best does. Although on Sunday the running game didn’t get much of a chance to prove itself because they dug such a hole deep that had to throw the ball to try to narrow the gap.

5. Even though it looked awful and it was, the defense held the Bears to 216 net yards and only 64 came from Matt Forte. The Lions are still 6-3 and have a good chance to bounce back against the Carolina Panthers who were pummeled by the Titans 30-3 on Sunday.

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5 things Lions must do to beat Bears

Five things the Lions (6-2) have to do to beat the Bears (5-3) at Chicago’s Soldier Field:

1. Must run the ball effectively. When the Lions beat the Bears on Monday Night Football Jahvid Best had 163 yards including an 88-yard touchdown run. It will be up to Maurice Morris, Keiland Williams and Kevin Smith.

2. Stop Matt Forte and the Bears’ rushing attack. He had 112 yards vs. Lions in that first game and has not slowed down since.

3. Get to quarterback Jay Cutler. Changes were made on the offensive line since they last met and Cutler has been getting more protection and more time. It’s time for the defensive line to boost its sack totals.

4. Matthew Stafford needs to get the ball to Calvin Johnson who might still be a little motivated after the non-touchdown call at Soldier Field to start the 2010 season with a loss.

5. Keep the attitude. The Lions have been playing mean and nasty football combined with a slight swagger. They are 4-0 on the road and have a six-game road winning streak going back to last season. They seem to play well with the “us against the world” mentality.

Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 21.

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Hanson kicks at practice; Best, Hill still out

ALLEN PARK — Unlike Wednesday, Jason Hanson was kicking field goals at practice today (Thursday). It was cold and windy on the outdoor practice field, but still no simulation of what it could be like on Sunday at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

On Wednesday’s injury report Hanson was listed with a left knee injury. That’s his plant leg.

So while it’s a good sign, Hanson was kicking it’s still not a sure thing he will be kicking on Sunday. The Lions tried out a pair of kickers — Rhys Lloyd and Shayne Graham on Wednesday.

Still missing from practice were Jahvid Best (concussion) and Sammie Hill (ankle). While neither has been officially ruled out for Sunday, it seems unlikely either will be active.

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Hanson doesn't kick at practice; Best, HIll still out

ALLEN PARK — Jason Hanson was at Lions’ practice today and went through the motions, but did not kick the ball. An unsubstantiated report is that he has stitches in one of his knees from a bye weekend incident.

If it was serious, the Lions would have likely signed a kicker by now. Dave Rayner, the backup last season, just signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Also Jahvid Best (concussion) did not practice again. He’s missed two games and it seems unlikely he’ll be ready to go on Sunday at Chicago.

Also out for the second day was defensive tackle Sammie Hill, who did have an ankle injury but played in the last game at Denver.

Kyle Vanden Bosch sat out, but that’s not unusual for a Wednesday. It’s a rest day for the veteran defensive end.

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Best misses practice; Kevin Smith back at work

ALLEN PARK — Lions’ running back Jahvid Best (concussion) did not practice today (Tuesday). Best has missed the last two games and his availability for this week became suspect when the Lions brought back running back Kevin Smith on Monday.

Smith, wearing No. 30, was practicing on Tuesday along with veteran guard Leonard Davis (No. 75) who was also signed to a one-year deal on Monday.

All others were present and accounted for during Tuesday’s extra practice following the bye week.

Stafford, Best don't practice; Nick Fairley back at it

ALLEN PARK — Quarterback Matthew Stafford (ankle) and running back Jahvid Best (concussion) did not practice today (Wednesday). Stafford was on the field watching. He did not appear to be limping. No sign of Best who has missed two games.

DT Nick Fairley, who was inactive Sunday because of his injured foot, was back at practice.

The Lions have a bye on Sunday. The players are off Thursday through Monday. They’ll return to practice on Tuesday to prepare for the Chicago Bears game on Nov. 13. The game time has been moved to 4:15 p.m.

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Avril, Stafford, Young recognized as standouts

A win is always a team effort, but three Lions have been singled out for their play in the 45-10 win on Sunday over the Denver Broncos.

Defensive end Cliff Avril, who scored his first career touchdown, was named NFC defensive player of the week.

He finished the game with two sack-fumbles, also recovering one and returning it 24 yards for the touchdown.

“It’s cool to get a little recognition out of all the hard work you put in day-in and day-out. I definitely appreciate this — for them to want to give me, out of all the players that are in our conference, this award,’’ Avril told the Lions web site.

Also, Matthew Stafford was nominated as the NFL Air Player of the week for his efforts. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterbacks also nominated were Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. To vote go to NFL.com/FedEx.

Wide receiver Titus Young was nominated for NFL rookie of the week. He had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown at Denver. To vote for him go to NFL.com/rookies.

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About Me

Paula Pasche, a veteran sports writer, covers the Lions for The Oakland Press. She has written a book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" which is available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. She won first place for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit (Class B) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and was The Oakland Press 2010 Staffer of the Year.